What qualifies a person for a group home in Virginia?
A plain-language answer for families and support coordinators in Virginia, with the official sources it is based on.
The short answer
Two things decide whether a person qualifies for a group home in Virginia: the home’s own admission criteria and, if Medicaid will pay, eligibility for the Community Living (CL) waiver. At At Home Family Services, a person must be an adult 18 or older with a developmental disorder diagnosis, have support needs our home can meet, and have acceptable insurance or coverage.
Community Living waiver eligibility
According to the DMAS fact sheet, the CL waiver is for children and adults who:
- meet the ICF/IID level of care criteria;
- require waiver services within 30 days;
- have a diagnosis of a developmental disability; and
- are found to need community-based waiver services to delay or avoid placement in an institution, or to leave one.
How enrollment actually happens
Under the state rules, a person is enrolled in a DD waiver when four things are true: the local department of social services has found them financially eligible for Medicaid, their support coordinator has found that they meet the functional eligibility criteria, DBHDS has confirmed a waiver slot is available, and the person has accepted the slot.
DBHDS also requires a Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment for nearly everyone who receives DD waiver services. It measures the pattern and intensity of support a person needs.
Fit runs both ways
Meeting the criteria is a starting point. A good placement also depends on whether a particular household suits a particular person: the level of daily support they need, how they do in a shared home with other adults, and which routines matter to them.
What this means at At Home Family Services
We review each inquiry individually and confirm eligibility, fit and coverage on a screening call. If we are not the right fit, we will say so directly rather than leave you waiting.
Sources
- Virginia DMAS: Community Living (CL) Waiver Fact Sheet 2025
- 12VAC30-122-20, Definitions (DD Waivers)
- Virginia DBHDS: Waiver information for individuals and families
Sources reviewed November 2, 2026. Rules and programs change, so confirm current details with your Community Services Board or support coordinator. This page is general information, not legal or benefits advice.